Clinton Backtracks on Tax Returns

Posted on Feb 27, 2008

Under pressure during Tuesday’s debate, Hillary Clinton hinted that she might release her tax returns earlier than “once I become the nominee,” a schedule that had drawn criticism from Barack Obama and the press. But aides speaking with the media the next day retreated from that opening:

“As is customary, as the Democratic nominee Sen. Clinton will release her tax information in April at tax time.”

Clinton’s loan to her campaign of $5 million raised questions about where the money came from, particularly since the candidate filed a joint return with her husband, who, no longer a politician, is less transparent financially.

The concern is over whether a back door to financing the campaign has been created, a fear that is perhaps less warranted given the financial difficulties of the Clinton campaign. But, as the saying goes, if you’ve got nothing to hide ... .

“I will release my tax returns,” Clinton said during the debate. “I have consistently said I will do that once I become the nominee, or even earlier.”

Pressed about the timing of releasing her tax returns, campaign aides were more reticent Wednesday, indicating that Clinton would not release the sensitive financial data during a hotly contested primary, but only at tax filing time.